Federal Workers Turn to Food Banks As Government Shutdown Continues
New report reveals growing hunger crisis in D.C.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
The government shutdown looks likely to stretch through all of October, marking another milestone for federal workers as they missed a paycheck. That is putting the squeeze on family finances, and many federal workers are now turning to local food banks to help put food on the table. Lisa Desjardins discussed more with Radha Muthiah, the CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington.
View the transcript of the story.
Key Term
furlough — a temporary layoff of workers
Discussion Questions
- What caused the government to shut down?
- When did the shutdown begin?
- How does the shutdown affect the incomes of federal workers?
- Who are some of the people interviewed for this segment, and what are their backgrounds?
- Why are food banks struggling to meet demand, according to Radha Muthiah?
Focus Questions
- How do you think the shutdown and other government cuts will impact levels of food insecurity (=lack of consistent access to nutritious food)?
- What do you think the federal government should do to address the need?
- What could local communities do to help address the need?
- Media literacy: Why do you think this segment focused on the Washington, DC area, even if the impact of the shutdown is being felt nation-wide?
Extension Activity
More closely examine the two charts below. Then discuss:
- What trend do you notice in the first infographic? Why do you think this trend has been consistent over the past few years?
- What does the second infographic tell you about the impact of federal cuts in the DC area?
- Taken together, what can you predict about the need for food access in the DC area next year? How do you think the need could be met?
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Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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